Scholarships
Through the generous spirit of our membership, we are able to provide numerous merit based scholarship awards at the end of the year!
ROGER DUNKERLEY SAILING SCHOLARSHIP
If you’ve always wanted to try sailing – but your family was hesitant of the cost because not sure you’d like it – this could be your moment. This award started in 2025 as a 100% free 1-season scholarship, with a 7-week commitment. We now have a 2-week scholarship option.
Wet Pants Sailing Association of Sayville, NY is offering one full 7-week scholarship or two 2-week scholarships for our summer sailing program – submit your application! (valued at over $1255 and $555). This opportunity is made possible by a generous endowment from the family of past Wet Pants Commodore, Roger Dunkerley. Roger was the Director of the Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville, when the famous “Priscilla” was first acquired.
He also refurbished a beautiful wooden Thistle sailboat, named “Preppy” to sail with his daughters Helene and Pauline. Now they would like to give one deserving young person each year the opportunity to experience the joy of sailing, which they remember so fondly!
Please apply! Suggested ages: 8-104, just download and complete the application. SUBMIT BY JULY 1, 2026
UPDATE: We’ve added and expanded! Ages 8 through adult may also complete an application for a 2-week scholarship, if 7-weeks is too long for your first experience.
KYLE WALKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Kyle Walker Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving 1st year sailing student, based on outstanding achievement. No application needed, it is by secret ballot!
Kyle, an avid sailor, was the son of Rev. and Mrs. Nancy Walker. He had a younger brother and sister. After completing his seaman (now Beginner Sailing) year, his family bought a Sunfish which Kyle sailed daily, after his lessons. Kyle took to sailing his Sunfish backwards after being taught by WPSA Flag Officer and Past Commodore, Captain Bob Campbell.
Kyle was a skilled sailor. When the WPSA school had it’s sailover event to Talisman Beach on Fire Island, Kyle sailed his Sunfish solo, while his mother sailed a Mercury with his younger brother and sister and friends. On the return, Kyle set a goal to sail the 3 miles home from the beach….. backwards. His mother followed him in the Mercury. It took the better part of an hour, but he did it. To Captain Campbell’s knowledge, no one has ever equaled Kyle’s feat.
EDWIN L. KINKAIDE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Edwin L. Kinkaide Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a Wet Pants college bound student, member in good standing who meets certain criteria. The student will be pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited 2 or 4-year college or vocational school. Individuals selected are active members who helped the club to grow and best represent the heart of the organization. They must demonstrate a continuous growth in maturity, character, and a willingness to help others in both the club and community. Sailing ability is not to be the main determining factor in the award. No application is needed, it is by secret ballot!
Edwin Kinkaide, a charter member of WPSA, firmly believed that his association with the club as a young man was a positive influence throughout his life. His wish was to give back to this organization in appreciation. More on Ed Kinkaide.
GSBYRA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Optional when you register for the first time as a member you can elect to support with a $2 donation the Great South Bay Yacht Racing Association, the racing oversight body to the Junior regatta series between clubs across the bay. Unless you request otherwise this may recur annually on your renewal. You can opt out at any time, contact psc@wetpantssailing.org
You can APPLY for a GSBYRA Membership through their organization HERE.
You can APPLY for a GSBYRA Scholarship yourself through their organization HERE.